Island hopping in the Galapagos

Day 1 - WELCOME TO THE GALAPAGOS!

Today you arrive at Baltra airport, the Islands’ principal airport, and you will dive into your adventure straight away! You will go through a special VIP lounge where you will have a chance to change clothes, put on some sunscreen and get a cool drink before we transfer to the Itabaca Channel to explore its spectacular turquoise waters. You will have a chance to kayak, snorkel and stand up paddleboard (SUP), as well as encountering some of the most famous Galapagos wildlife such as blue-footed boobies, sea lions, brown pelicans, a variety of herons and white-tipped reef sharks. There’s no better introduction to the Galapagos than to get on the water as soon as possible!

Our ocean (sit on top) kayaks come in doubles or singles, and life jackets are provided. A support boat will escort us throughout our water activities to ensure safety and to provide water, snacks and towels between activities. From the Itabaca Channel we head up to the Santa Cruz highlands to a private reserve that borders the National Park, where we can see the famous Giant Tortoises roaming in the wild. After lunch we drive to Puerto Ayora town, where you will spend two nights. B/L

Day 2 - NAVIGATION WITH A GALAPAGUEÑO FISHERMAN

Set out to sea on the motor boat with an ex-fisherman, his welcoming crew and a knowledgeable naturalist guide for a full day excursion to experience the waters near one of the Galapagos’ more remote islands. We have worked with local fishermen to transform their careers from harvesting sea life to introducing the Galapagos’ rich marine ecosystem to visitors while also helping to preserve them.

Heading out toward Santa Fe Island and its special marine reserve, you will have the chance to admire and experience the biodiversity unique to this area. We’ll enjoy a variety of marine activities including swimming with sharks. The journey takes place among extraordinary landscapes that combine sparkling turquoise waters and white sand. All the while, we can enjoy watching wildlife in its natural state – including the chance to see one of the most important sea lion colonies in the entire reserve.

Day 3 - SANTA CRUZ - FLOREANA

After breakfast we depart for Floreana Island – a two hour speedboat crossing.
This peaceful island is home to the Galapagos’ smallest human population. Because only 150 people call Floreana home.

Upon arrival on Floreana, we will take an open-air ‘chiva bus’ to Floreana Lava Lodge, which overlooks one of the Galapagos’ most beautiful and secluded bays and where we will stay for 2 nights. Once we are settled in, we can walk or kayak to nearby Black Beach for some snorkeling. After time in the water to wet our appetite, we will walk to a restaurant in the nearby village for lunch. The restaurant is part of a community tourism initiative that we our local offices have helped to develop and has been working with since 2012.

In the afternoon, we set out once again to walk to La Loberia, a sea lion breeding ground. Once there, we can enjoy more snorkeling and swimming in the calm, bright water with sea turtles, sea lions, stunning rays and an abundance of tropical fish. B/L/D

Day 4 - EXPLORING THE HIGHLAND OF FLOREANA

After breakfast, we leave to explore the Floreana highlands on our open-air bus (chiva). On the way, our naturalist guide will share the colourful history of some
of Floreana’s first inhabitants.

After driving into the highlands, we reach Asilo de la Paz (Peace Haven) where our hike begins. We walk up to this historic site, explore the pirate caves, and visit the freshwater spring that provides water for the entire Island, with our guide sharing stories and history along the way. On our way back to the coast, we will make a stop at
Claudio’s farm, La Primavera, where we will watch the extraordinary behaviour of the frigate birds who ‘dance’ as they wash their salty wings in the fresh water lake on the farm. We will prepare a very special barbecue lunch, featuring delicious
Cruz family recipes! In the afternoon return to the hotel. B/L/D

Day 5 - FLOREANA – ISABELA – BIKING TO THE WALL OF TEARS – TINTORERAS ISLET

Today we take an early morning speed boat and transfer to Isabela Island where we will check into our hotel for 2 nights. Our Isabela adventure begins with a tour to the local giant tortoise-breeding centre and on the way we may catch a glimpse of pink flamingos feeding in a lake. The breeding centre is an important conservation facility and it is here that the islands’ giant tortoise population is presently recovering.

In the afternoon we will continue with our tour to the Tintoreras, a group of small islands near the village of Puerto Villamil, that are named after the white tipped ‘Tintoreras’ reef sharks that swim in these calm waters. A Galapagos in miniature on the Tintoreras you will see almost all of the archipelago’s iconic wildlife: white tipped
sharks, sea lions, turtles, rays, penguins, and of course pelicans and blue footed boobies. You will have a chance to snorkel in the bay – and don’t be surprised if some of the penguins or sea lions jump in to play alongside you in the water. B/L

Day 6 - HIKING SIERRA NEGRA VOLCANO

We have the whole day to explore the Isabela highlands, and we start by hiking up to the crater of the massive Sierra Negra volcano, and then onward to the rim of the Volcan Chico. This fascinating walk usually begins with some morning fog and drizzle, which sometimes persists in the shadow of the volcano, adding to its mysterious
character. Despite the drizzle, we may see Galapagos Hawks, finches, flycatchers and Short Eared Owls en route.

When we reach the rim of the Sierra Negra crater, the second largest in the world after the Ngorongoro in Tanzania, we will see the reward for our efforts. The crater is so large, and the views so expansive, photos can’t do it justice! Later, as we head towards Volcan Chico, we may get the feeling we are walking on Mars due to the alien landscape. And while the land appears to be utterly desolate, a closer look will reveal small lizards scurrying about among the rocks. From the crater’s rim, we will enjoy
more amazing views. In the distance, we will be able to see Fernandina, Pinzon and Santa Cruz Islands. We then head back down to complete our day of hiking (16 kilometers / 9,94 miles in total) and relax on the beaches of Puerto Villamil. B/L

Day 7 - ISABELA – SANTA CRUZ - BALTRA

Today we take an early morning speed boat back to Santa Cruz and then transfer by land to Baltra for our onward journey or flight back home or onward destination.